Table of Contents
Joan Currie
Case Introduction
- Joan Currie, a 50-year-old white female, disappeared on February 20, 1981, from Saint John, New Brunswick. She was last seen traveling to Prince Edward Island to visit her parents but never arrived at her destination. Joan suffered from alcoholism at the time of her disappearance. Despite being reported missing over four decades ago, her case remains unsolved and she has never been located.
Case Overview
- Basic Information
- Full Name: Joan Currie
- Case Reference Number: RCMP Case #2014003402
- Saint John Police Reference: Case #81-01016
- Date of Birth: 1930
- Age at Disappearance: 50 years old
- Date Last Seen: February 20, 1981
- Location Missing From: Saint John, New Brunswick
- Gender: Female
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Hair Color: Black
- Height: 160 cm (5 feet 3 inches)
- Weight: 49 kg (108 pounds)
- Build: Small frame based on height and weight
Circumstances of Disappearance
- Joan Currie was last seen around February 20, 1981, in Saint John, New Brunswick. According to official RCMP records, it is believed that she was traveling to Prince Edward Island to visit her parents at the time of her disappearance. This suggests she had planned the trip and her family was expecting her arrival.
- A significant factor in Joan's case is that she suffered from alcoholism. This medical condition may have contributed to her vulnerability and could be relevant to understanding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Investigation Status
- The case remains active and unsolved as of September 2025. Joan Currie is listed among the missing persons in New Brunswick on the Gone In NB database, which tracks missing individuals in the province. The case was originally investigated by the Saint John Police Force, and continues to be monitored through the RCMP's National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains.
Analysis and Investigation Challenges
Limited Information Available
- The research revealed several significant challenges in investigating Joan Currie's disappearance:
- Age of the Case: The disappearance occurred over 44 years ago, making witness testimony and evidence collection extremely difficult.
- Limited Media Coverage: Unlike more recent missing person cases, there appears to be minimal newspaper coverage or media attention from the time period, which limits available public information about search efforts or investigative details.
- Technology Limitations: In 1981, investigative tools such as DNA analysis, cell phone tracking, digital surveillance, and modern forensic techniques were not available.
- Record Keeping: Missing person databases and information sharing systems were not as comprehensive in 1981 as they are today.
Route Analysis
- Joan was traveling from Saint John, New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island to visit her parents. The most logical route would have involved:
- Travel north from Saint John
- Cross into Prince Edward Island via the ferry system (the Confederation Bridge was not constructed until 1997)
- Journey to her parents' location on PEI
- The fact that she never arrived suggests something happened during this journey, either before departure, during transit, or upon arrival but before reaching her parents.
Potential Factors and Theories
Medical Condition Impact
- Joan's struggle with alcoholism presents several considerations:
- Vulnerability: Alcoholism may have made her more susceptible to harm or poor decision-making
- Health Complications: Medical emergencies related to alcohol withdrawal or intoxication
- Social Isolation: Potential estrangement from support systems
- Financial Difficulties: Alcoholism often leads to economic instability
Possible Scenarios
- Based on available information and common patterns in missing person cases involving individuals with alcoholism, several hypotheses can be considered:
- Transportation Incident: Joan may have encountered difficulties during her journey to PEI, potentially involving her vehicle breaking down or an accident.
- Medical Emergency: Given her alcoholism, she may have experienced a medical crisis during travel.
- Voluntary Disappearance: Some individuals with addiction issues choose to disappear to start fresh, though this would be unusual given she was traveling to visit family.
- Foul Play: Joan may have encountered someone with harmful intentions during her journey.
- Environmental Factors: Winter weather conditions in February 1981 could have contributed to travel difficulties or accidents.
Current Status and Contact Information
- Joan Currie's case remains open and active. Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is encouraged to contact:
- Saint John Police Force: (506) 648-3333
- Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) for anonymous tips
- National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains: canadasmissing-disparuscanada@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Conclusion
- Joan Currie's disappearance represents one of New Brunswick's long-standing missing person cases. The 44-year gap since her disappearance presents significant investigative challenges, but advances in forensic technology and renewed public awareness through initiatives like Gone In NB may still yield results. The case highlights the particular vulnerabilities faced by individuals struggling with addiction and the importance of continued efforts to locate missing persons regardless of the time elapsed.
- The lack of detailed media coverage or extensive public information about Joan's case underscores how missing person investigations and public awareness have evolved since 1981. While speculation about what happened to Joan can be made based on the limited available facts, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn without additional evidence or witness testimony.
- Joan Currie's family and friends deserve answers, and her case serves as a reminder that every missing person matters, regardless of how much time has passed since their disappearance.